Jun 3, 2016
Jun 3, 2016
Jun 3, 2016
Jun 3, 2016
Jun 3, 2016
Jun 3, 2016

Male Figure (Ofika)

Male Figure (Ofika)

late 1800s or early 1900s

Wood, colorant, and upholstery studs

42.2 cm (16 5/8 in.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2016.33

Description

Figures such as this, known as ofika, were central to the initiation practices and the enforcement of laws among the all-male Lilwa association, a hierarchical organization that served educational, judicial, political, economic, and ritual functions among the Mbole. Meant to instill a moral code and to act as a cautionary symbol during initiation for Lilwa novices, ofika figures are believed to represent criminals who were ritually hanged for transgressions against Lilwa laws. The figure’s encrusted surface imitates how members covered their bodies with a substance made of ashes and palm oil during burial rites.

See also
Collection: 
African Art
Department: 
African Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.